MOM ON THE REBOUND
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By D. L. Gibson
SUN LIFESTYLE COLUMNIST
Chris arrived at 8 p.m. on the nose. My body burned like fire, and I could feel myself about to
explode at any time.
“How was your trip,” Chris asked. “I heard you went off to Las Vegas. They say, ‘What happens
in Vegas, stays in Vegas.’ Are you going to kiss and tell?”
He just didn’t know that he would be the one doing the kissing - my behind, as I told him off.
I didn’t hesitate and just rammed straight forth.
Man...why didn’t you have the decency to tell me that you had contracted VD? How dare you
pass it onto me! You were living a lie for nearly 30 years, cheated on me with another man, left me
for that man, then left me to not only find out but to deal with VD. How dare you!
I just kept going, barely taking a breath. Chris couldn’t get a word in. His eyes budged out of his
head, as I went off.
Finally, I paused and he got in the words, “I’m sorry.”
“It’s been a year, and I didn’t know when I contracted it. Since, you didn’t say anything, I
assumed that I got burned after we separated. I’m really sorry. I never intended to hurt you. The
timing was so bad, and I just didn’t know. I had already hurt you, when I came out. I didn’t want
to hurt you anymore. Despite of how things appeared, I really did care for you. You did nothing
wrong. You were a good wife and a great mother. I tried to resist those urges to be with another man,
but I was weak and gave in. I didn’t even know that I had VD, until 6 months ago. By that time, I figure
that it was impossible that I could have spread it to you. I’m sorry.”
Yes, you are sorry, I replied. But, sorry doesn’t change the fact that you gave me VD. Sorry, doesn’
t change how you lied to me for nearly 30 years. Sorry, doesn’t make up for the fact that you
destroyed our family. Yea, you’re sorry alright. You’re probably sorry that your sorry behind got
caught. I thought that I was through with you. I was moving on with my life and starting again. Now,
Mr. Sorry I have to deal with your leftovers. What did I do to deserved getting burned like this?
Why didn’t you at least protect yourself? If it was a man that you wanted, why did you jump back into
my bed? Are you confused or simply just sorry?
I was too mad to cry. The tears just wouldn’t fall, and I was all cried out. I thought of running to
the kitchen and grabbing a butcher knife, but the Lord intervened. This man was not worth spending
the rest of my life in jail over.
When I paused and looked up at Chris, I saw something that I hadn’t seen in years. Tears began to
pour down his cheeks, while he pleaded for forgiveness. I hadn’t seen this man cry in 24 years, and
that was at the birth of our daughter.
He begged for me to hear him out. I was tired, after going off on him so I just gave in. Then, he
began to tell me about his first encounter with a man. I don’t know if I was ready for this, but I
listened anyway.
“When I was 16, Tony and I were wrestling in the backyard. We were high on marijuana and started
fooling around. While we were rolling around on the ground, he rolled on top of me. We kissed. It was
strange at first. We went inside and took it to another level,” he confessed.
But, Tony was the best man at our wedding! How long did this go on.
“It was a one time affair. We both vowed to never tell and blamed it on the marijuana. He was
ashamed, but it aroused my curiosity. I never acted on those feelings again, until years later. I tried to
suppress them, but it became too much. Then, it happened again. The next time it was with Michael.”
Oh my God. He’s my........... I couldn’t get the words out. I just fell back on the sofa. I must have
fainted. I can’t believe he had an affair with Michael.
Mom on the Rebound is based on actual events. Tune in next month to see what happens to her
relationship with Greg.
JANUARY 2010
By D. L. Gibson
SUN LIFESTYLE COLUMNIST
Greg rubbed against me in the airport, and I was about to blow up. We managed to make it onto the
plane. It was a long flight home, as I was forced to sit next to him. I tried to pass the time staring out
of the window. Greg kept trying to start a conversation, but I just ignored him.
When we landed at Metro Airport, I felt relieved and anxious at the same time. I went and got my
luggage, then waved down a cab. I thought about how I was going to break the news to my daughter.
Then, I thought about ways to kill Chris. The cab pulled up at my house, and the tears started to pour
down.
I couldn’t control myself. I hadn’t cried this hard, since Chris left me for a man after being married
for nearly 30 years. Now, here I am crying over this man, again. I tried to compose myself,
and then I called my daughter.
“Hi mom. How was your weekend?, she asked.
I couldn’t hold back and just started crying. It was the worst weekend of my life, I replied while
choking back tears. Before she could ask why I told her how Greg and I went and got tested for HIV
and AIDS. His test came up positive, I told her. Then, there was a big gulp of air and silence.
“What,” she managed to get out.
Yes, I replied. He tested positive for HIV. He told me about his different relationships and how he
must have gotten burned.
“Did you?”, my daughter asked without completing her sentence.
No. Momma did not get her groove on, thank God. I decided that we should get tested before going
down that road. But, that’s not all. Baby...I tested positive too.
Then, I heard my daughter scream, and she started to cry.
Don’t worry baby. I’m going to be okay. I tested positive for VD. Your dad gave it to me. I’ve already
started taking antibiotics, and I’m going to be fine. But, I can’t say the same for your dad. It could
have been worst with the secret lifestyle that he was leading. This is definitely a wake up call for me.
“I’m glad you’re okay, mom. So, what’s up with you and Greg?”
I’m going to leave him alone for now. Right now, your dad has some explaining to do.
I got myself together and made that dreadful call. Chris answered the phone and I greeted him in a
nice tone. I didn’t blow up. I had other things planned for him.
Sweetie, I just got back from my trip to Las Vegas and there’s something I need to talk to you about.
“What?”, he replied.
Well, I don’t want to do this over the phone. Besides, I have a little surprise for you. Can you come
over?
“Sure. How does around 8 sound?”, he asked.
Sounds great. I see you around 8, and then I hung up the phone. Boy, do I have a surprise waiting for
him.
Mom on the Rebound is based on actual events. Tune in next month to see what happens to her
relationship with Greg.
DECEMBER 2009
By D. L. Gibson
SUN LIFESTYLE COLUMNIST
He said it. Those three dreaded words, “I love you.”
I was caught off guard, so I didn’t know how to reply. I just got up and walked away.
I had mixed emotions. Part of me did care deeply for Greg. Then, there was the side of me that
was having a hard time dealing with him having HIV. To top it off, I tested positive for VD. How could I
trust him? Should I trust him the same way that I did my husband of nearly 30 years.
I returned to my room and grabbed my bags. Greg was waiting in the hallway. He went to grab my
bags, and I pulled back. I have it, I told him. It was probably the longest sentence I had uttered to him,
since finding out our test results.
The ride in the cab was pure torture. All I wanted to do at this point was to go home and deal with
my own set of issues. The first thing on my to do list was to give my ex-husband a piece of my mind.
Hey, he apparently gave me a piece that could have been deadly. How could he do this to me? Didn’t
he have sense enough to protect himself, while he was laying up with a man? Then, he had the nerve
to come home to me. The more I think about it, the more I want to scream.
When we got to the airport, we discovered that our plane was delayed. What else could go wrong?
I found a seat away from Greg. I couldn’t stand to even look at him.
Two hours passed by, and they announced the arrival of our plane. Boarding would take place in
about 20 minutes. I got into line, and Greg managed to run up behind me.
He was standing very close to me. I could almost feel his breath on the back of my neck. Then, he
rubbed my hand. Why did he do that? Now, I’m about to set it off in the airport.
Mom on the Rebound is based on actual events. Tune in next month to see what happens to her
relationship with Greg.
NOVEMBER 2009
By D. L. Gibson
SUN LIFESTYLE COLUMNIST
It has finally arrived. Greg and I will be going home today. I feel like the whole trip was a waste.
Momma was supposed to come to Vegas to get her groove back, and instead she was sidelined with VD.
Then, to top things off, I find out that Greg is HIV positive. Where do we go from here? He seemed
like the man of my dreams: fine, fun, freaky, and the brotha has a good job with benefits. But, again
brotha comes with that little something extra that even the most desperate sistas aren’t willing to
take.
I can’t believe that he had the nerve to pull out a condom last night. What was he thinking? I think
my sex drive will remain in park for quite some time. Chris and I have a lot to talk about when I get
back. How dare he give me VD!
I guess I should be thankful that I didn’t get the same news as Greg. Why didn’t he use protection
with those other women? And, how many different women has he really been active with. I almost
gave into temptation. Just think, a few minutes of pleasure almost cost me my life. How do I explain
this to my daughter, when I get back? Should I tell her that her father gave me VD and that Greg
nearly gave me HIV?
As these questions flooded my mind, there was a knock on the door. “Baby, are you there? Will you
open the door please,” Greg called out. I opened the door and invited him in, because I didn’t want
him disturbing everyone with all of that calling out my name in the hallway.
He pulled out a dozen roses that was hidden behind his back. “I’m sorry, baby,” he said. “How can I
ever make this up to you?”
He said that he wanted to work things out with me. But, all that I could think about was the fact
that he had tested positive for HIV. What was there to work out? Then, a tear rolled down his cheek.
He looked so pitiful. He reached out and grabbed my hand, then pulled me closer to him. He held me
tightly in his arms and begged for forgiveness. Then, he said it. “I love you. You’re the best thing that’
s ever happened to me.”
I began to cry and he continued to embrace me in his arms and to cry out for forgiveness. Then, I
ended up sitting on his lap. And, we started to kiss.
Mom on the Rebound is based on actual events. Tune in next month to see what happens to her
relationship with Greg.
OCTOBER 2009
By D. L. Gibson
SUN LIFESTYLE COLUMNIST
Is God trying to tell me something?
I kept asking myself that question, each time I looked up at Greg. I was numb to his pain. I came to Las
Vegas expecting to fulfill my womanly desires. It had been so long, since I’ve had the comfort of a man.
I thought Greg was the perfect guy to revitalize those senses in my body that had lain dormant for so
long. Then, he revealed that he has HIV. He was possibly facing a death sentence, while I was facing
anger at learning that my ex-husband had given me a STD. I should have been thankful that my news
wasn’t like Greg’s. But, it didn’t lessen my anger.
Greg leaned over and grabbed my hand. “Baby...can I explain,” he asked.
“I’ve only been with three women over the last year,” he said. “I gave my all to each of them.”
Yes...and one of them gave you a little something extra, I said in my mind. Three different women
within a year’s time is far too many. Did he really want me to feel sorry for him.
How long did you wait, before you entered another relationship, I asked. Why would one of these
women infect you? What type of women were you dating anyway?
The questions were pouring out, and I didn’t give Greg a chance to respond before throwing out
another question.
“Baby...I misjudged them,” he answered. I had no idea that one of them would do this to me. I’m
hurting too, and I need you to be there for me. I need you now, more than ever. Please forgive me. I
never intended to hurt you. We can still be together. I have protection.”
Then, he pulled his wallet out of his back pocket and reached in for a condom. Has this man lost his
mind? Did he really think momma was going to taint her goodies even more so.
I’m sorry Greg. I can’t do this. I have to get my mind straight, before we go any further. Right now let’
s both focus on getting treatment. You need to find out who burned you.
We still had another day left in Las Vegas. It was going to be a long and lonely night followed by a long
day. I can’t wait to get back home.
Mom on the Rebound is based on actual events. Tune in next month to see what happens to her
relationship with Greg.
SEPTEMBER 2009
By D.L. Gibson
SUN LIFESTYLE COLUMNIST
It seemed to take eternity to get back to the hotel. Greg and I were both silent on the way back.
I hopped out of the taxi and headed to the door, while Greg paid the fare.
All I could think about was the nurse telling Greg to follow up with his physician. Why?
The more I thought about Greg, the more I had forgotten that my ex-husband had given me an STD. I
waited for Greg in the lobby. We both walked to the elevator and hopped on. There was
another couple riding along, so we continued to be quiet. When we reached our floor, my heart
started to pound rapidly.
“Baby, can I speak to you in your room,” Greg asked.
Sure, I replied in a low tone.
When we got inside, I offered Greg a seat in a chair, not on the bed. Surely, momma wasn’t going to
be getting her grove back - not this weekend, anyway.
I couldn’t hold it in any longer, so I asked, Greg what’s wrong? Why did the nurse tell you to follow up
with your physician?
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about, Baby,” he replied. “I’ve got some bad news. I can’t explain
it. I don’t know how...” he said.
You don’t know how, what. I blurted out! What’s up? Quit beating around the bush and tell me what’s
going on, I insisted.
“Baby, I tested positive for HIV. I’m sorry. I had no clue,” he said.
My mouth dropped open. Oh my God is all I could say.
I almost put my life at risk. I can’t believe this is happening to me. After all that I’ve been through now
I’m faced with a man with HIV.
What do you mean you don’t have a clue? You know who've you been sleeping with. Don’t you believe
in protection? What’s wrong with you men? I found myself going off on Greg.
All of the hurt and pain built up seemed to pour out, and it was all directed at Greg.
“Baby, I’m sorry,” he continued to cry out.
I became deaf to his words. All I knew was that one man gave me a STD and another almost gave me
HIV. What have I done to deserve this? I refused to blame God, and instead blamed myself. I must have
done something to be going through all of this. Then I looked up and saw tears running down Greg’s
face. Could his grief be my blessing in disguised? Is God trying to tell me something?
AUGUST 2009
By D. L. Gibson
SUN LIFESTYLE COLUMNIST
I took a deep breath, before responding to Greg’s question.
“Are you okay,” he asked.
No. But, I’ll be alright, once I get poked: that is with a needle I joked. He didn’t seem too pleased
with that answer. Baby, I have syphilis. There was no other way to say it, so I just blurted it
out. I didn’t stutter or hesitate. My ex-husband seemed to have left me with more to remember him
by than just catching him with another man. The good news is that it can be cured.
That’s when I lost my composure and tears stared pouring down my face. I’m sorry if I’ve ruined our
weekend.
Greg sat beside me starring with a blank look on his face. He didn’t say a word for what seemed like
eternity. I tugged on his arm to break him out of his trance.
“Baby....” is all he said.
The tears continued to rolled down my cheeks. Why me, I cried out.
Then Greg grabbed the back of my head and pulled me toward his chest. His warm embrace seemed to
ease my pain.
“It’s okay,” he whispered into my ear. “It’s okay. I love you.”
Oh no he didn’t! Am I delusional? Am I hearing things? Did he say what I thought he said. I began to sob
harder and he held me closer in his arms.
After a few minutes alone together, the nurse returned. She gave me some Klenex and assured me in
front of Greg that I was going to be okay. She gave me a shot of penicillin and told me to follow
up with my family doctor.
“You’re one of the lucky ones,” the nurse said. “I see many women, who are infected with HIV and
AIDS contracted from their spouse.”
Then she turned to Greg and said, “Make sure you follow up with your physician as well. I wish the
both of you good luck.”
What?
Why does Greg need to follow up with his doctor too? What’s going on?
Greg turned to me and said, “Baby, let’s go.”
I have a feeling that this is going to be a long trip back to the hotel.
Mom on the Rebound is based on actual events. Tune in next month to see what happens after Greg
reveals his test results.
JULY 2009
By D. L. Gibson
SUN LIFESTYLE COLUMNIST
I fainted when the doctor began questioning me about my past. When I came through I could hear him
and the nurse say, “Everything’s going to be alright.”
I told them that I had divorced my husband, after nearly 30 years of marriage, and how he had left me
for another man. I had no indication that my husband was living his life on the down-low. Chris, my ex-
husband, was my first and only man.
Never once did I stray. This weekend was to become my first encounter with a man. I was already
nervous about being with Greg.
“I have some good news and bad news for you,” the doctor said. “You’re negative for HIV/AIDS.
However, you tested positive for syphilis.”
I took a deep breath and fainted again. When I came through, tears poured down my face. Why me, I
cried. Why me?
The nurse grabbed my hand and repeated, “It’s going to be okay.”
It’s not okay. I have syphilis. What’s going to happen to me, I asked. What are the signs?
The doctor replied, “The signs of syphilis are often times unnoticeable. The first sign is usually an
ulcer, which appears about 10 to 40 days following the entry of germs into the body (inoculation). It
appears at the point the germs enter the body, usually on the skin or mucous membrane near the sex
organ, and lasts for about a month, if untreated. Normally, it does not cause pain or itch. It is called
chancre. At the beginning, it may look like a pimple, blister or crack.
At times, the ulcer is very small or hidden, so that it is not noticed. Some people go many years
without knowing that they contracted syphilis. The good news is that it can be treated. If left untreat-
ed, syphilis can cause skin rash, heart disease, nervous disease, paralysis, insanity, blindness, deafness,
bone and joint pains, and even premature death.”
But, I haven’t had any rashes. I feel fine.
The doctor went on to describe the secondary stage of syphilis.
He said, “ The secondary stage follows in four to six weeks after the first sore. There might be skin
rash, sore throat, pains in bones and joints, enlargement of lymph nodes, and sores in the mouth. At
times, these signs and symptoms may be so slight and trivial as to go unnoticed. They may go away
even without treatment, but the germs of syphilis still remain to multiply in the body. The disease
is highly infectious in this stage. At this time, serologic test for syphilis is invariably positive.”
I’ve had sore throats, but it’s normal for me to have them. I’ve suffered from soar throats, since I was
a child. Well, can syphilis be cured?
“Yes,” he answered. “If it is treated early enough, syphilis can be cured completely by modern
treatment before any permanent damage is done to the body. It is imperative that syphilis is diagnosed
and treated in its very early stage. This also helps prevent its spreading. But most patients try to heal
the ulcer and neglect the disease in the blood. People who have had syphilis cured can catch it again
if they expose themselves to the risk of infection.”
Cure me! Cure me, now!
“When was the last sexual contact you had with your ex-husband,” he asked.
About a year ago, I answered.
“We’ll start you on penicillin, an antibiotic. We’ll give you an injection for now, and will have you
follow up with your regular doctor to see if further treatment is necessary. Penicillin will kill the
syphilis bacterium. You’re going to be fine, but you must notify any sexual partners that you have
syphilis, until you’re completely healed,” he advised.
Thank you doctor. I really wasn’t expecting to receive such news. I came in here worry-free. I guess I
have two persons to talk to. The first is waiting in the lobby.
I wiped my face and tried to regain my composure. Then, I walked out into the lobby.
Greg, stood up and asked, “Baby, are you ok?”
I took a deep breath. Well, here I go!
Mom on the Rebound is based on actual events. Tune in next month to see what happens after she
reveals her results.
JUNE 2009
By D. L. Gibson
SUN LIFESTYLE COLUMNIST
My heart began to pound rapidly, as I thought about the crying woman’s words, “My husband...”
Although I could only make out the first two words, it was enough to cause me to worry.
Chris, my ex-husband, had left me for another man. While doing so, did he also leave me with
something else? I had never been tested for HIV and AIDS. I always assumed that I was negative. After
all, Chris was the only man that I had ever been with. We married, when we were young and were
together for nearly 30 years.
I had always been faithful to Chris and our daughter. Even though we’ve been divorced for almost two
years, I still haven’t been with another man.
Greg was to be first, let truth be told. And, I was prepared for it - sexy lingerie and condoms (thanks
to my daughter). After contemplating it for a few months, I had decided to give in to Greg. But, first I
wanted to make sure that he was disease free. Was things beginning to backfire against me? Could I be
affected?
Time seemed to tick by even slowly as before. I went to the front desk to ask how much longer it
would be before my results were ready. The receptionist told me about another 15 minutes.
I wanted to call Chris to ask him directly, “Do you have HIV or AIDS?” The more I thought about it, the
more I began to play with the buttons on my cell phone.
Pride took over, and I decided not to call. I couldn’t let Chris know that he was getting the best of
me. Besides, I hadn’t even gotten my results back. I may be jumping the gun. Just be cool, I kept
telling myself.
Another woman walked out the doctor’s office crying. It wasn’t helping much with everyone crying,
after they received their results.
Then, the door opened again. Out walked Greg with a big smile on his face. He came and sat down
next to me.
“Baby, what’s wrong,” he asked.
I guess he could tell from the look on my face that I was worried.
“Did you get your results back,” he asked.
No, I replied. I’m still waiting for them to call me. But, with all the women coming out crying, I’m
worried.
Remember, how I told you that Chris left me for another man. One of the men that I dated at the
agency was also one of his boyfriends. We didn’t do anything, but the thought that I was dating a man
living on the down-low is scary.
Greg tried to reassure me that everything would be okay. But, I didn’t feel like it was okay. I never
used protection with my husband. I never thought that I would need to.
Then, they called my name. I was glued to my seat, and Greg gave me a little nudge to wake me out of
my shock.
I walked to the back. The doctor was standing there reading a paper that I assumed had my results.
The nurse who had drawn my blood for the test also came into the examination room.
“Mrs. Gibson, we have your results,” the doctor began. “Tell me a little about yourself. I see you’re
divorced. Are you in a relationship now” he asked.
That’s when I fainted. I couldn’t take it anymore. Where was he going with this questioning?
When I came through, I could hear the doctor and nurse both saying that everything was going to be
okay.
But, what did the test results say?
Mom on the Rebound is based on actual events. Tune in next month to see what happens after they
receive their results.
MAY 2009
By D. L. Gibson
SUN LIFESTYLE COLUMNIST
The next morning, I was awakened by a knock at the door. Who is it, I asked in a drowsy tone.
“It’s me, baby. Are you ready to go,” Greg asked.
Wow, I couldn’t believe that he was really going through with this. Give me another 30 minutes I yelled
back through the door.
As I jumped into the shower, the water seemed to clear my head. I thought about what I was doing. I
felt a little better knowing that I was at least being responsible by going to get an AIDS test and
to request one of Greg as well. I wish there was some type of test men could take to see if they’re
living a life on the down-low. Maybe, it would have saved me some heartache after giving nearly 30
years of my life to my ex-husband.
I still can’t believe that he left me for another man. There were no warning signs. At least, I didn’t see
any. He took care of me in the bedroom, and I thought that’s all that counted. But, I was wrong.
Since joining the dating service, I’ve gone out on several dates. One of the guys happened to be one
of my ex-husband’s lovers. So, again, a test to see if a brotha is living on down-low would not only be
nice but necessary as well.
I could tell that Greg was somewhat offended by me asking him if he had ever been with a man. Who
could blame him, that is, if you’re straight.
He’s a real trooper to go and have this test. It sure will ease my mind.
I got out the shower and dried off. I slipped on a pair of tight sexy jeans that showed off all of momma’
s curves. Hey, why not reward Greg with a little eye candy? After all, he deserves it. If the test
comes back negative, momma may give him an added treat.
I flat ironed my hair and dabbed on a few drops of Excellent body oil. Momma was not only looking
good, but smelling good as well. I phoned Greg’s room to let him know that I was ready to go.
We decided to grab a bite to eat before making our way over to a clinic that Greg had found in the
phone book.
After breakfast, we took a cab to the clinic. I was feeling and looking good. I wasn’t the least bit
nervous, and neither was Greg. We walked in and the receptionist gave each of us a form to fill out. I
was called to the back first. The nurse explained that she would be giving me a Rapid HIV test. She
drew blood from one of my veins. Then she told me to return to the lobby and she would call me back
in about 25 minutes for my results. As I was going out, Greg was coming in. I winked at him and
stroked his hand, as we crossed paths. I sat down in the lobby and grabbed a magazine to pass the
time. A lady came out crying and said something about her husband. That’s when I began to worry.
Mom on the Rebound is based on actual events. Tune in next month to see what happens after they
receive their results.
